West Chester seeks help with stormwater fee plan

WEST CHESTER — The borough’s public works committee decided Monday to seek the opinions of engineering consultants in discussions about implementing a stormwater management assessment fee.

The committee first discussed the item, which would apply to all buildings hooked up to the stormwater system, in November. According to Borough Manager Ernie McNeely, the borough’s engineer did not have experience with this type of fee and recommended the committee seek guidance in initiating the process.

McNeely said a proposal for a fee should be ready for review by next month.

“It’s kind of a multi-stage process,” McNeely said.

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First, McNeely said the borough would need to identify and quantify the need, then determine the type of billing system, begin a public information and education process before finally adopting and implementing the fee.

“I don’t think there is any doubt that if council wants to enter into this process than we’re going to need that sort of consultant system to help go through the process,” McNeely said.

Committee member and Councilman John Manion said the borough is looking into the fee as a possible revenue source.

A fee would offset the loss of nearly $800,000 in usage fees from the annual Pfizer property. In addition, the fee would bring in revenue from the roughly 35 percent of the borough which cannot be taxed.

According to McNeely, the borough should get an opinion from its solicitor despite not requiring enabling legislation from the state. He said the general rule has been that municipalities can enact such fees as long as they are not otherwise prohibited across all other classes of government.

Currently other municipalities across the state are enacting fees and beginning to bill.

Committee member and Councilman Tom Paxson questioned whether there were any reasons why an entity would be exempt from the fee.

“There are none that you have to offer by law, so the only exemptions you could offer are those you choose to,” McNeely said.

Options for a fee can be based on impervious coverage, a flat rate or a combination of the two with a flat rate likely to apply to a single-family dwelling.

“There are a variety of options along the way that you need to consider,” McNeely said.

In Pennsylvania, costs must be rationally related to the rate and fair, according to McNeely.

About the Author

Jeremy Gerrard is the Daily Local News' reporter covering the West Chester area and local school district. Jeremy is a Chester County native and a graduate of Auburn University. Reach the author at jgerrard@dailylocal.com
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